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Feeling Inadequate?

Part of the series Commanded, Commended or Condemned?
Written by Léo Gaumont, published on 2013-10-21.

Feelings of inadequacy, while normal should be replaced by the knowledge that God is sufficient.

Opinions expressed in this blog are those of the blogger which, although based on personal experience and knowledge of the scriptures, can be in error. No one has a corner on the truth but we should all sincerely be in search of it.

My wife expressed a concern that got me thinking about why we have some of the feelings we do. Feeling inadequate is one of those feelings. We can be overwhelmed with worry and concern about what we need to do, but is this of God? Scripture tells us that God will allow us to be tested but that He will not allow this testing to go beyond our ability to withstand. So if we are getting these feelings of inadequacy, is it God, or is it us who is the cause? When considering the fact that God cannot be inadequate, the answer should be obvious.

Feelings of inadequacy should immediately inform us that we may be trying to do something that God neither commanded or commended. Essentially, we have taken over God’s job and made it our responsibility rather than entrusting Him to the task. Could it be that we have feelings of inadequacy because we actually are… inadequate? Perhaps we need to focus on the work God has instructed us to do without assuming His responsibility for it. After all, we are actually not the ones who are ultimately in control. Servants should understand this.

No doubt, parenting provides many opportunities to feel inadequate. We take upon ourselves, the entire responsibility for raising these children, including their future when, in fact, no parent actually knows what that future is! To be sure, we must act responsibly. However, we must understand that we can indeed be responsible without assuming the responsibility. For instance, we can parent responsibly towards a future which is ultimately God’s responsibility.

Prayer is a good place to start when feelings of inadequacy start to come upon us. It will help us to recognize that we do have a responsibility to parent responsibly, yet without having to assume the responsibility for our children’s lives. If we do our part and allow God to do His, we will be better able to adequately prepare the children for their future with God. He, after all, is the one who is sufficient which is much better than being adequate. Direct the children to God, then let God direct them in their lives. Our job then becomes one where we demonstrate our faith in God by the actions we take. This is entirely adequate. In fact, it is sufficient.